Bodh Gaya is the world renowned place where Lord Buddha had gained enlightenment which led to the establishment of one of the world’s most followed religions, Buddhism. Bodh Gaya is a city that is located in the Gaya district of Bihar. A lot of pilgrims and followers of Buddhism come to this city. In 2002, it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Bodh Gaya is also known as the Place of Enlightenment. It was here that Lord Buddha had attained Divine Enlightenment and then went on to teach profound principles of Humanity that later on were christened as Buddhism.
Prince Siddhartha (before becoming Buddha himself) sat beneath the Bodhi or Bo tree and sat cross-legged facing the east with a vow to get up only if he attained Supreme Knowledge or the Realization. For 7 weeks, Mara, the Lord of Illusion tried his best to tempt Siddhartha. Then Mara's three beautiful daughters tried to allure him, but in vain. Siddhartha entered deeper states of contemplation. His quest finally ended at dawn on Vaisakha Poornima, the full moon day in April-May, when the kind daughter of the village chief of Senani, Sujata, brought him a bowl of kheer (sweet thickened milk). It is said that the gods had infused the kheer with ambrosia. Siddhartha attained Samma Sambodhi, the Enlightenment that he had been seeking for so long. Since that time, Bodh Gaya became a world renowned place as the Seat of Enlightenment.
The weather is pleasant throughout the year. The best season to visit Bodh Gaya is anytime between March and October. In May, Buddha Jayanti is celebrated.
Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here. Money changing facilities are limited. State Bank of India changes cash and travellers cheques and also has an ATM.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
The nearest places for help in terms of embassy related issues and other tourist requirements can be found in Patna [112 kms]
By Road: Bodh Gaya is situated on National Highway Number 83. It is about three to four hours drive from Patna. A lot of state run buses operate on this route and it is quite easy to reach Bodh Gaya.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Gaya, about 16 kms away from Bodh Gaya. Rail travel is not recommended as it is not convenient. There are few trains that run on Delhi – Howrah route and most of them are infrequent.
By Air: Gaya Airport is served by Indian Airlines for domestic flights is the closest domestic. The other nearby domestic airport is at Patna is 112 kms away which has flights to Delhi, Ranchi, Kolkata and Mumbai.
International Flight:
Gaya has the only international airport in Bihar and Jharkhand taken together. It is an international airport connected to Colombo, Sri Lanka through two airline operators; Bangkok, Thailand; Singapore, and Paro, Bhutan. The distance of Gaya airport to National Heritage site "Bodh-Gaya" about 8 Kilometers.
The Maha Bodhi Temple is the most important place in Buddhist history. It is an architectural wonder too. It has been restored time and again ever since it was constructed by Emperor Ashoka centuries ago.
Bodhi Tree
Muchalinda Lake which is a lottus pond where Buddha is said to have meditated.
Indosan Nipponji Temple- a Japanese temple
Thai Monastery
Karma temple
Great Buddha Statue
Archaeological Museum
Maha Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya
Image By Wikimedia User William Pfeifer Image is in Public Domain
Shopping:
One can collect a lot of books on Buddhism and Buddhist souvenirs in Bodh Gaya. The Tibetan refugee market is a great place to shop for souvenirs.
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated with much fanfare in Bodh Gaya.
Where To Eat: There are a lot of eateries and joints in Bodh Gaya where one can enjoy the local cuisine.
Where To Stay:
Many people prefer making the state capital of Patna as their base. But since Bodh Gaya is a popular destination for travelers and Buddhist pilgrims all across the world, there are many good quality hotels here.
Bodh Gaya is one of the most serene places in the world when it comes to exploring Buddhism. A great destination for those who want an insight into the Buddhist culture and way of life. Best when combined with a tour of the other Buddhist sites nearby like Dungeshwari Cave Temples, Rajgir, Nalande and Pawapuri.
